17 minute read
Business Spotlight: CarSnoop
CarSnoop: New App Takes the Time & Stress Out of New Car Buying
Writer / Jon Shoulders Photographer / Michael Durr
Cole Keesling knew as far back as 1997 that the traditional approach to car buying could be improved upon. He was determined to establish a service that could eliminate the hassle of long waits at dealerships, and backand-forth haggling.
“I knew there had to be a better way,” says Keesling, who has extensive experience as a new and used auto sales manager and finance manager. “I started out a few years ago by talking to people needing cars and getting information on their trade-in vehicle and then talking to multiple dealers on their behalf to get offers so they wouldn’t have to have that hassle. I did about 100 deals manually without any sort of app, and now we have our app, CarSnoop, that makes the entire buying process that much easier.”
Users can stay home and download the CarSnoop app on their smartphone and enter details for the vehicle they wish to lease or buy. The app finds customers a range of new car offers from CarSnoop’s
exclusive network of Indiana dealers, who can then bid on the customer’s new vehicle need. It’s all 100% anonymous — dealers have no information on potential buyers beyond the city they live in, and as such, customers are not bombarded with emails and sales calls.
After customers choose the right deal for them, all the necessary paperwork is prepared so that the customer only needs to sign and pick up their new car. Even those trading in their used vehicle can do so through CarSnoop’s hassle-free process,
which involves uploading photos and entering a few basic pieces of information like mileage, condition and vehicle identification number.
A refundable $100 deposit is required once a customer has searched the app for their preferred vehicle attributes and is ready to view the best offers. Once the transaction is complete, the deposit is refunded.
The final paperwork and delivery steps can be completed at a dealership, or the dealer can deliver the documents and car to the customer’s preferred location.
“Our number-one priority is the user experience — we want the user to feel the process we’ve built makes sense, is easy to understand, and is comfortable,” says Keesling, adding that CarSnoop is a locallyowned company based in Fortville.
The CarSnoop app is currently only available for Indiana customers, and Keesling says the company —which also includes Keesling’s wife Janel, who serves as brand champion, Vice President Shawn Manion, and Dealership Sales Manager Chris Evans — plans to expand into the Louisville and Cincinnati market by the summer.
“We want 100 dealers per market area of about one million people,” Keesling says. “We’re going to do about 60% of our business from the core dealers - Chevrolet, Toyota, Ford, Honda and Chrysler Dodge Jeep. We’re currently doing new cars only because we don’t want condition to be an objection at delivery. We will be moving to certified preowned options in the future as well.”
Keesling says a top issue throughout the auto industry in recent years is a desire on the part of buyers for alternative methods for buying cars that reduce direct dealership involvement.
“I think we’re ahead of the curve with the way the market is going,” he says. “It’s our job to educate the buyer, and everybody is able to chat directly with us. When customers are chatting with CarSnoop, they are literally speaking with me and Shawn. Also, if they want to do a test drive they can do that and ask not to be entered into the dealership’s system. There are virtual test drives online now, too.”
Keesling stresses that CarSnoop is a buying app rather than a shopping app. identity,” he says. “On the app, you’re building your exact car, right down to the color.”
The reasons Keesling wanted to launch CarSnoop in the Central Indiana market are simple.
“I’ve spent 22 years in the car business, with most of that in the Indianapolis market, and we’re all from here — we couldn’t think of a better place to start,” he says. “We wanted to get behind the Indiana tech movement. The relationships with dealers that Shawn, Chris and I have here are great. We really believe we’re going to change the way people lease or buy new cars, doing it from right here in Indianapolis.”
“We encourage the customer to do their homework on the vehicle they want to lease or buy elsewhere, and then come to CarSnoop where they can protect their
For more information on CarSnoop, including a dealership inquiry page, explore carsnoop.com. Questions? Email info@ carsnoop.com or call 317-539-3135.
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CARMEL CARMEL ARTS & DESIGN DISTRICT 22 North Rangeline Road Carmel, Indiana 46032 317.964.9455 Info@IndianaArtisan.org
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2020 ZIONSVILLE RESTAURANTS & BARS
The Town of Zionsville offers plenty of great, locally-owned restaurants and bars. Check out this list below!
41 Boone Village Zionsville, IN (317) 733-1609 amorezionsville.com
This New York Style pizzeria and Italian restaurant, has been family owned since 2003, brothers, Daniel and Christopher Simone have been the backbone of “Amore”. Their journey began on Long Island but fate brought them to Indianapolis in 1992. AMORE PIZZERIA
175 S Main St Zionsville, IN (317) 733-8755 auberge-restaurant.com
A great place to enjoy traditional and contemporary French food, skillfully prepared, in casual yet refined and elegant surroundings. Auberge offers an extensive selection of fine French wines, plus a full bar. In addition to our restaurant, full bar and outdoor patio, Auberge also offers private dining and meeting rooms. AUBERGE
1225 W Oak Street Zionsville, IN (317) 873-4255
Welcome to Big Dave’s Deli in Zionsville! Breakfast & Lunch, deli meats & cheeses, party trays and more! Tues-Sat 6am-2pm and by appt. BIG DAVE’S DELI
65 Boone Village Zionsville, IN (317) 344-0365 booksnbrews.com
At Books & Brews, our bookstore in the front of the building sells gently used books of all kinds at an affordable price, and 10% of all proceeds goes to IndyReads, a nonprofit that offers adult and childhood literacy programs. Our bar in the back sells our very own craft beers, all cleverly named after books. Books & Brews is a place for the reader, for the scholar, for the gamer, for the drinker, for the music lover, for the individual. BOOKS AND BREWS ZIONSVILLE
620 S Main St Zionsville, IN bubsburgersandicecream.com
Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream® was established in May of 2003 in Carmel, Indiana after owners Matt and Rachel Frey returned to Indiana to launch the restaurant with an emphasis on quality food and a fun atmosphere. When they spotted the “little yellow house” along the Monon Trail in downtown Carmel, they knew it was meant to be! With a lot of family guidance and moral support, Bub’s® was born using owner Matt Frey’s childhood nickname “Bub” as inspiration. And that name ended up fitting perfect with the Big Ugly® Burger theme. BUB’S BURGERS & ICE CREAM
7629 W Stonegate Ln Zionsville, IN (317) 769-3743 mycarolinagrill.com
A family friendly restaurant on the main level. Head to the lower level for an adult only atmosphere & a great beverage. CAROLINA GRILL & TAP ROOM
Come in and try our amazing selection of over 150 wines and check out all of our unique wine gifts.
6625 Whitestown Pkwy | Zionsville, IN 46077 317.769.0763 | www.corkandbarrel.wine Follow us on F to stay up to date on all of the special events we have planned.
50 S Main St Zionsville, IN (317) 873-4745 cobblestonez.com
Opened in 2000 as Cobblestone Grill, our 2017 renovation included updating our name to Cobblestone. We offer our guests a relaxed and contemporary dining experience. Along with our spacious bar, family dining room and private Bourbon Room, our popular outside patio is open in warm months for dining or to just enjoy live music outdoors every weekend. COBBLESTONE
40 S Main St Zionsville, IN (317) 733-3600 convivioindy.com
At Convivio, we feature world-class artisanal Pastas and Pizzas and other Italian fare with a special focus on Fresh Pasta. We use the latest and most modern pasta machines directly from Italy and our open kitchen allows you a view into our process. Our menu changes seasonally with a special Feature section inspired and dedicated to Regional Specialties. We utilize locally sourced and organic ingredients wherever possible. CONVIVIO ITALIAN ARTISAN CUISINE
6625 Whitestown Pkwy Zionsville, IN 46077 (317) 366-3316 corkandbarrel.wine
Wine Bar between Zionsville and Whitestown offering a variety of over 150 wines for tastings as well as by the glass and bottle. CORK & BARREL WINE BAR
1576 W. Oak St Zionsville, IN (317) 733-1400 eltoro-bravo.com
El Toro Mexican Restaurant has locations across the Midwest committed to serving a huge variety of mouth-watering Mexican dishes at an affordable price. Our family recipes incorporate fresh ingredients and innovative techniques to provide you with the classic cuisines you want: tacos, burritos, enchiladas, sizzling fajitas and much more. EL TORO BRAVO
30 N Main St Zionsville, IN (317) 344-2999 greekspizzeria.com
Greek’s® Pizzeria locations are independently, locally-owned and operated. GREEK’S PIZZERIA AND TAP ROOM
69 Boone Village Zionsville, IN (317) 733-0900 happykitchensushibar.com HAPPY KITCHEN
12 E Cedar St Zionsville, IN (317) 873-4099 hopwoodcellars.com
Ron Hopwood, owner and Winemaker for Hopwood Cellars Winery, has been producing awesome wines since 1994. A trade he works to perfect, he continues to bring only the finest award-winning wines to the customer. When Hopwood Cellars Winery opened its doors on June 5, 2012 in Zionsville Indiana, it was quickly noticed by the consumer that these wines were not average, but superior wines. Ron, with his wife Janet and a full staff, search out the best grapes from vineyards in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. HOPWOOD CELLARS WINERY
91 S Main St Zionsville, IN (317) 732-2233 noahgrants.com
Noah Grant’s, locally owned & operated, offers east coast sophistication in charming Downtown Zionsville. The menu specializes in Fresh Seafood, Burgers, Sushi & Certified Angus Beef. ALL of our seafood entrees are rated ‘Best’ or ‘Good Choice’ from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch! Noah Grant’s Oyster Bar features the freshest East & West Coast Oysters. Noah Grant’s offers a full bar with Tuesday & Sunday offering ½ price bottles of all of our wines. Wednesday Nights are Special Steak Night! NOAH GRANT’S GRILL HOUSE & OYSTER BAR
1211 W Oak St Zionsville, IN ricecookerrestaurant.com
Rice Cooker offer a wide variety of dishes including Chinese, Tai, Korean, and Vietnamese and mainstream Pan Asian dishes as well as gluten-free and vegan dishes. RICE COOKER
10 S Main St Zionsville, IN (317) 344-6500 rosiesplace.net
When the first Rosie’s Place opened in Noblesville in 2010, it was an instant hit among locals. Even non-locals began making the drive for its delicious handcrafted comfort food and everybodyknows-your-name vibe. And for the gooey butter cookies. So come on in and see us. ROSIE’S PLACE
112 S Main St Zionsville, IN (317) 344-2416 rushonmain.com
Rush on Main, owned by two “Region Rats”, Jeff Sepiol and Johnny Vargo, is the place to go for some of Chicagoland’s favorite eats. Both owners and their families love the Indianapolis area, but miss what they consider some of the world’s finest foods. Come experience staple Windy City items on Main Street! RUSH ON MAIN
135 S Main St Zionsville, IN (317) 873-5590 occasionsdivine.com
A visit to Serenity and you will walk away knowing you have been some place special. This 1868 home was one of the first in Zionsville and is platted on the 2nd lot! We repainted this lovely home its original, historical color. Enter through the antique doors and you are stepping back in time. Enjoy lunch or English tea with friends or at our “community table”. Experience wonderful antiques, aged rugs, period lighting and sensational food. This shabby chic spot will call to you to get in touch with family and friends to join you for lunch. SERENITY BY OCCASIONS DIVINE
640 S Main St, No. 300 Zionsville, IN sub-16.com
We start with the bread. A classic submarine sandwich roll must offer a balance of texture, taste, density, soft and light, with substance enough to maintain the integrity of the finished product. After the bread, we add quality deli meats, freshly sliced to order, thin to maximize the flavor profile then customize with fresh ingredients and toppings. We prepare and cook all of our beef, pork and chicken in house and make all of our soups from scratch. SUB 16
55 E Oak St. Zionsville, IN (317) 344-0926
The Salty Cowboy is one of the best Mexican food options in Zionsville. The restaurant boasts great patio dining for those looking to grab a beer or margarita and enjoy the warm weather months. SALTY COWBOY
290 S Main St Zionsville, IN (317) 873-5772 friendlytavernzionsville.com
The Friendly Tavern’s building has been around since the 1870s — originally erected as a wagon works factory that made carriages and shipped them via the railroad. The bar area was where workers forged the steel, and the upstairs section is where the carriages were assembled before being rolled down a ramp to a loading dock for shipping. Gather at The Friendly Tavern, for tasty food, big laughs and a good time. THE FRIENDLY TAVERN
95 E Pine St Zionsville, IN (317) 344-0472 thelemonbaronline.com
The Lemon Bar, as the name might suggest, includes a full bar menu of wines and champagnes by-the-glass or bottle, local beers, and creative and delicious cocktails. THE LEMON BAR
9101 Moore Rd Zionsville, IN (317) 733-1700 traderspointcreamery.com
Savor dishes made with the very best from the farm. Traders Point Creamery is a family- owned, 100% grassfed organic dairy located in Zionsville, Indiana, specializing in creamline artisan dairy products since 2003. THE LOFT AT TRADER’S POINT CREAMERY
255 S Main St Zionsville, IN (317) 873-2878 zionsvillepizzeria.com
With more than 40 years of business, Zionsville Pizzerias taste is still award winning! Family owned and operated, we take pride in our pizza as well as our customers. With so much more to offer, our menu is full of house made delicious items. Choose Zionsville Pizzeria for a better quality and taste! ZIONSVILLE PIZZERIA
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April is upon us and there are certain things we want to do with the lawn in April.
CRABGRASS CONTROL If you have not gotten your crabgrass controls down, this needs to be done. Once this window is missed it is difficult to get on top of it. It was a pretty mild winter and as of this writing March has been relatively warm. The soil temperatures are increasing fairly fast. Each crabgrass plant can produce 150,000 seeds. And when one kills the plant it is brown, unsightly and the carcass of the plant remains for several weeks. Along edges, park strips with debris in them, and areas that get weed eated too short or driven over are susceptible to crabgrass.
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MOWING The lawn is coming out of its winter sleep and mowing will begin to occur. Sharpen your blades. This will help reduce shredding the turf and keep unwanted pathogens out of the turf. This helps keep the turf plant healthy and reduces diseases. As the lawn comes out of dormancy the majority of the energy will be used to create cell elongation and the turf will grow quickly.
BROADLEAF WEED CONTROL & FERTILIZER Broadleaf weeds are beginning to show up. Dandelions, clover, plantain, and other weeds begin to germinate and they are controlled with post emergent weed controls. If you use a granular product purchased at a store, these products generally need to be applied when the turfgrass is moist. At this time, a high amount of nitrogen is not necessarily required. The plant will have its own energy and the soil will become alive with millions of reactions releasing nutrients.
SEEDING This is a time I consider seeding in shady areas only. The tree leaves are not quite out and the ground is clean and the seed has a good chance to germinate in the spring. I do not like to seed in sunny areas as there are a few problems with spring seeding lawns.
As we have cool season grasses here, the new plants will be juvenile and much of the energy goes to the blade in the spring. I prefer to seed sunny areas in the early fall/late summer. The plant will germinate and, as fall approaches, the physiology of the plant will begin to send energy to the root system which will then develop over winter and in the early spring allowing for a mature plant in the summer which can survive the summer.
